Inward investment

Inquiry3

The Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee has been set up by the Senedd to look at policy and legislation, and to hold the Welsh Government to account in specific areas. These areas include business, economic development, skills, international trade, agriculture, fisheries and food.

The Committee is undertaking an inquiry into Inward Investment.

Terms of Reference

In particular, the Committee will consider:

>>>>

>>>How effective is the Welsh Government’s approach to attracting inward investors to Wales, and what are its main strengths and weaknesses? How should any perceived weaknesses be addressed?

>>>To what extent does the Welsh Government’s approach to attracting inward investment target areas of strength within the Welsh economy? How successfully it is taking opportunities in emerging sectors with the potential to play a key role in the future economy?

>>>How well do the different layers of government work together to bring inward investment into Wales, and are there any improvements that could be made?

>>>How effectively does the Welsh Government provide ongoing support to inward investors, and to what extent does this support existing investors to expand or safeguard their operations in Wales?

>>>What are the key barriers Wales faces in attracting and retaining inward investment, and how should these be tackled?

>>>Which examples of best practice from beyond Wales could the Welsh Government learn from in relation to attracting inward investment and providing ongoing support to inward investors?

>>>To what extent does the available data provide a clear and comprehensive picture of inward investment into Wales, and are there any improvements that should be made?

<<<<

Written evidence

>>>>

>>>Swansea Council – 9 January 2026 (PDF 92KB)

>>>CSconnected – 9 January 2026 (PDF 305KB)

>>>New York Welsh – 17 February 2026 (PDF 185KB)

>>>Industrial Communities Alliance – 20 January 2026 (PDF 146KB)

>>>Professor Riccardo Crescenzi, London School of Economics – 21 January 2026 (PDF 90KB)

<<<<

Additional evidence

>>>>

>>>Councillor Dave Hughes, Leader of Flintshire County Council – 9 February 2026 (PDF 252KB)